here comes the da[na].

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I was so very honored when Wynne Elder from Gloriously Ruined asked Joel and I to be this week's...

Head over to her blog today, read the post AND get know this incredible woman of God. I've been so inspired and encouraged by her and her husband. They have been so faithful to what God has called them to and I promise you want to know more about her...

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

This is my most common multiplied meal. I probably make a variation of it every other week. A whole chicken is the most affordable meat to purchase and you get way more for what you're spending. I can get two sometimes three meals from a $7 natural whole chicken.

I love The Pioneer Woman's Herb Roasted Whole Chicken recipe. I vary it depending on the herbs I have and what I will be making with the leftovers. This week I used a fresh thyme and rosemary rub. I have found that when cooked at 400 degrees as the recipe recommends the oil gets too hot and smokes, so I usually use 375 degrees and cook the chicken a little longer. The juice coming from the chicken when cut should be clear when it's fully cooked.

Round 2: Chicken Noodle Soup (served with fresh bread)

With a cold going around our family I chose a simply chicken noodle soup for round 2. Spiced with fresh thyme this soup brought out the flavor of the roasted chicken. Yum yum! If you prefer to go by a recipe I recommend this one here. Instead of adding the bouillon I would suggest salt and pepper to avoid unnecessary MSG.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

I received a bread maker a year ago Christmas with the grand plan of making my own bread from now on - both saving money and making a healthier option. Well ever since I've been searching for a good wheat bread recipe. Most that I've tried ended up dense and flavorless.

About a month ago a friend recommended the Bread Beckers website. There are different whole food recipes including this Zojiriushi Bread Recipe that I've fallen in love with. The bread is light, digested easily and tastes absolutely wonderful.

I purchased red wheat berries in bulk from Sprouts [our local health food store] and have figured the 50 lb. bag will make about 25 loaves at $1.25 a piece. Not bad for a healthy and fresh bread option. And there's nothing better than the smell of fresh bread filling your house! It takes me about 5 minutes to get everything in the bread maker and then 2 1/2 hours later voila.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

I've loved looking at the mama style link up with Casey Leigh and her crew. Fun to find inspiration and ideas of how to feel put together in this not so put together season of life. I'm too late to be a part of the actual link up, whoops, but thought I would still share my two cents.

2. Fun color or printed skinnies // they add flavor to any outfit and are perfect for the upcoming Spring season.

3. A banana clip, yes you heard me right // Pinterest has become my new best friend when it comes to cute ways to put my hair out of the reach of my sons sticky little fingers. This banana clip braid is my current favorite. I promise its super easy and looks great!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

I don't know about you but to get two meals out of one is a glorious thing. On Sunday evenings I do my meal planning for the week and I do my best to include a "multiplied meal." These save time AND money!

Check back every couple of weeks and I'll be posting one of my multiplied meals. This week's recipes are a Balsamic Roast & Balsamic Roast Beef French Dip Sandwiches, both recipes and pictures from Add a Pinch are below. Not only did this meat serve as the main for two meals, but it was also cooked in the crockpot...extra brownie points. The meat was super tender and had a great taste, it has the husband approval in this house. Bon appetit!